2018 Ram 3500 Heavy Duty: Top class performance

by Bob Nagy | August 10, 2017 9:15 PM

The 2018 Ram 3500 Heavy Duty pickup has received upgrades that put it at the top of its class when it comes to torque and towing capabilities, the company announced. A revamp to the optional 6.7-liter Cummins turbodiesel engine pushes output to a segment-best 930 lb-ft of peak torque, 30 more than in 2017. To fully leverage that extra muscle, Ram Engineering developed a new fifth-wheel tow hitch that allows the 3500 Heavy Duty pull up to a 30,000-pound trailer.

To get the extra torque, the revised Cummins V8 now has a higher boost limit thanks to a new variable-geometry turbo unit and an increased fuel-flow rate. Ram points out these changes do not impact efficiency or durability. With a 30,000-pound capacity, the new fifth-wheel hitch will permit the Ram 3500 Heavy Duty pickup to haul a trailer that previously could only have been handled by a Class 4 or Class 5 truck. The new hitch costs $1,395 as part of an upfit package. For the record, the 2018 Ram 3500 Heavy Duty has a max tow rating of 20,000 pounds using a conventional hitch or 31,210 pounds with a gooseneck alternative.